Cold weather does not mean no more in-season fruit. Here are 5 nutritious fruits you are missing out on!

Winter is usually the time of year when local, seasonal fruit begins to run dry. Citrus growers have’t gotten their tasty crop yet and most of what is shipped into stores are tasteless and lack nutritional value. Branch out and try these delicious in season fruit this winter:

KumquatsKumquats are tiny, olive sized citrus fruits that are fill of disease-fighting antioxidants. A serving of five kumquats contain one-fifth of your daily fiber needs, along with a healthy dose of potassium and vitamins A and C.

Kumquats grow in California so you can be happy knowing that they are relatively local and not coming across the ocean from another hemisphere.

At the market, look for firm fruits that are bright orange in color. Green ones are ripe yet, and overly ripe kumquats don’t last as long. Store them at room temperature for two or three days, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

CarambolasCarambolas, also known as star fruit, are high in vitamin C, potassium, and low in calories. They are also high in inflammation-lowering polyphenols, and great for your heart. Most of the star fruit that you can find in stores come from South Florida and Hawaii.

Be sure to handle this fruit with care, as they do bruise easily. Allow the fruit to ripen at room temperature for a few days until light brown ribs form and the fruit becomes a deep yellow. You can refrigerate for up to a week.

QuincesQuinces are very healthy and help ward off the flu. They contain twice the vitamin C of their relatives apples and pears, and are high in antiviral phenolic compounds that have been found to combat the influenza virus.

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This fruit tastes best when cooked and can be found in specialty markets.

RambutansRambutans are an antioxidant powerhouse and are normally grown in Hawaii. Also known as the hairy lychee, the tropical treat’s season runs from September through March. Rambutans have high levels of the antioxidants flavanoids and anthocyanins. These compounds can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cardiovascular problems. They also contain high amounts of iron and calcium.

To enjoy, simply peel and pop into your mouth. The fruit is fragile so only keep them for a day or two at room temperature.

PersimmonsA study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a persimmon a day could be better for your heart than an apple. Persimmons contain significantly higher concentrations of the dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds that prevent atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. The antioxidants found in persimmons can also help control diabetes and the cell damage it can cause.

Persimmons are delicious with a sweet tasty and a spicy undertone. They grow in California and make a wonderful addition to any fruit bowl.

Ariana Marisolis a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. She is an avid nature enthusiast, gardener, photographer, writer, hiker, dreamer, and lover of all things sustainable, wild, and free. Ariana strives to bring people closer to their true source, Mother Nature. She graduated The Evergreen State College with an undergraduate degree focusing on Sustainable Design and Environmental Science. Follow her adventures on Instagram.